“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more aue than many sparrows.” Matthew 1):28-31
Our desire for acceptance pressures us to perform to gain praise. Most of us strive for success, driving our minds and bodies harder and further, hoping because of our sweat and sacrifice, we will get appreciation and acknowledgment.
Our desire for love and acceptance is a symptom of a deeper need—the need that frequently governs our behavior and is the primary source of our emotional pain. If this goes unrecognized, it becomes our need for self-worth.
Today, I would like to go back in time. So we can learn about your current state of self-worth.
Journal Prompts:
- Think over the past two or three days. Close your eyes and let the memories rise to the surface. Who are the people you’ve tried to please or keep happy in some way? Were you successful?
- Think about the relationship between a person’s desire to be loved and accepted and that person’s deeper need for self-worth. As you think about the past few days, what are the symptoms you can see in yourself that reveal your desire for self-worth?
- As you think about emotionally painful interactions, or even whole seasons in your life, how did those difficulties relate to your own struggle for self-worth?
- Sometimes we try to gain the approval of other people to feel better about ourselves. Why might this be easier than focusing on God’s approval? When has this been true for you?
- Listen to Matthew 10:28-31. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:28-31 Write down what is your worth in God’s eyes?
“Heavenly Father,
I care about the people in my life, which in turn means I will value their opinions about me.
Help me to value what you say more than what man says.
Let the weight and pressure to perform and people please be restrained by a revelation of your love.
Keep your heart as real to me as the face of people I see.
The truth is, I am of great worth because Jesus died for me. Help me to walk in the confidence of that and give to others from my overflow of grace and joy.
My purpose is not to make or keep others happy, but to live a life which is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, give me the strength and tenacity to do just that. Amen.”
*A special thanks to The Search for Significance by Robert McCee for inspiration for this journal prompt
